Seeking CCK-HIDA Scan for Biliary Dyskinesia - Recommendations Needed
Hello everyone, I’m a 22-year-old from Portugal, feeling quite frustrated and reaching out to this community in hopes of finding some assistance. I urgently need to locate a medical facility that conducts a **proper, quantitative HIDA scan with CCK (Sincalide) infusion** to evaluate my Gallbladder Ejection Fraction (GBEF). I exhibit several key symptoms associated with Biliary Dyskinesia: * Intense pain in the right upper quadrant (RUQ) and shoulder after consuming fatty foods. * Recurring pain triggered by bitters or artichoke (which are known to stimulate the gallbladder). * **Most concerningly, my bilirubin level is at 3.8**, serving as tangible evidence of a health issue. * I’ve had normal results from ultrasounds and liver enzyme tests. The challenge I face is that most facilities advertising “HIDA scans” typically utilize a **fatty meal or sugary beverage** to induce stimulation, which is ineffective for an accurate ejection fraction diagnosis. The type I require involves intravenous **CCK infusion**. I am prepared to travel anywhere across Europe to find the right place. **Here’s where I need your help:** Does anyone know of a reputable hospital, clinic, or nuclear medicine department in Europe (or even outside of it) that specifically confirms the use of **CCK (Sincalide)** and can provide a **numerical value for the ejection fraction**? Any specific recommendations, including names of facilities, locations, or contact information, would be immensely helpful. I appreciate your time and any assistance you can provide!
Answers (1)
8/20/2025, 6:33:33 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you're feeling frustrated and in search of a specific medical test to evaluate your gallbladder function. You are experiencing symptoms indicative of biliary dyskinesia, and it’s important to address this appropriately. Let’s break down your situation and create a plan.
Main Points:
- You're seeking a facility that conducts quantitative HIDA scans with CCK infusion to assess your gallbladder function.
- You have specific symptoms and elevated bilirubin levels, which need professional evaluation.
Explanation:
Biliary dyskinesia can cause significant discomfort, and a proper evaluation of gallbladder function through a HIDA scan with CCK infusion can help diagnose any dysfunction accurately. Notably, the use of CCK (Sincalide) is crucial for obtaining a true measurement of gallbladder ejection fraction, as it simulates the physiological response that fatty foods would normally elicit.
Next Steps:
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Research Facilities:
- Contact Major Hospitals in Europe: Start by reaching out to larger hospitals with nuclear medicine departments in major cities, such as:
- Cleveland Clinic in Abu Dhabi (known for advanced diagnostics).
- Charité University Hospital in Berlin, Germany.
- Royal Free Hospital in London, UK.
- Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris in France.
- Ensure you inquire specifically about the use of CCK for CCK-HIDA scans.
- Contact Major Hospitals in Europe: Start by reaching out to larger hospitals with nuclear medicine departments in major cities, such as:
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Consult Online Resources:
- Use medical directories or forums to search for nuclear medicine specialists. Websites like the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) can guide you to accredited facilities.
- Look for patient reviews or testimonies related to gallbladder diagnostics at various institutions.
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Prepare for Communication:
- When you contact these facilities, prepare a brief summary of your symptoms, previous test results, and your specific request for a quantitative HIDA scan with CCK infusion.
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Consider Financial and Travel Aspects:
- As you may be traveling across Europe, check if the facilities accept your health insurance or discuss out-of-pocket costs upfront.
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Stay Informed:
- Keep monitoring your symptoms. If they worsen or if you develop new symptoms, continue to keep a detailed log, which can be helpful in your discussions with healthcare providers.
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Supportive Resources:
- Look into online patient support groups for biliary dyskinesia; these can provide not only emotional support but possibly recommendations for facilities.
You are taking an important step by seeking the appropriate evaluation for your symptoms. Stay proactive and keep searching for a facility that meets your needs. If you need further help or have more questions, feel free to reach out again.
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